In a united effort to bring lasting peace and stability to Sudan, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) and the African Union (AU) have joined the peace talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as mediators focus on seeking wider consensus.
Recognizing the urgency and importance of finding a resolution, the two organisations have vowed to work tirelessly towards achieving a wider consensus among all parties involved.
The Jeddah talks, also supported by the US, essentially involve the protagonists: The Sudanese Armed Forces (Saf) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both sides said on Wednesday they are willing to re-enter negotiations.
The Saf said in a statement it was going back to the table to “complete what was previously agreed upon, which is the full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration, to facilitate humanitarian work and the return of our citizens and normal life to the cities where the rebels wreaked havoc looting, burning, random bombing and raping.”
“We hope that the other party will show credibility, realism, and the will to reach a solution that will stop the war and end the suffering of our people,” RSF added.
The two sides have been fighting since April 15 and Saf pulled out of Jeddah talks in July, accusing RSF of not being serious. Multiple ceasefire agreements were also broken, and violence continued, which has now killed at least 9,000 people and displaced some 5.4 million people.
The peace talks, held in a neutral location, have been marked by constructive dialogue and a commitment to finding common ground. Representatives from the Sudanese government, rebel groups, civil society, and other stakeholders have been engaged in extensive discussions aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict and establishing a framework for sustainable peace.
Both Igad and the AU understand that fostering a wider consensus is crucial for an inclusive and comprehensive peace agreement. To that end, they have been employing various strategies to bridge gaps and encourage meaningful participation from all parties. Mediators have been facilitating dialogue sessions, encouraging open and honest discussions, and ensuring that everyone’s concerns are heard and taken into account.
The mediators have emphasised the need for sustained commitment and continued engagement from all stakeholders. They believe that a comprehensive peace agreement can only be achieved through open and constructive dialogue, where all parties contribute towards a united vision for Sudan’s future.
The mediators remain hopeful that through inclusive dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to the well-being of the Sudanese people, a comprehensive peace agreement can be achieved
